The silence that followed seemed longer than usual.

“Did it help?”

“I’m not finished with everything yet.”

She said she understood.

I did not tell her about the ring.

I wanted the next conversation to happen where I could see her, where I could ask about the objects she said were missing, and where an answer could not be postponed indefinitely by poor reception or a need to get off the telephone.

I was not planning a confrontation that would force a confession.